Known as the "Master Antioxidant", glutathione offers essential health benefits. Despite its complex name, it holds unique properties that enhance daily quality of life.

But what exactly is it? What are its benefits? How does it work within the body? It's time to uncover everything about this precious antioxidant.

Glutathione: A Molecule with Numerous Benefits

Discovered in 1888, glutathione is a molecule naturally present in the body. It is also found in plants, animal cells, and fungi. Glutathione exists in two forms: oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH). Only the reduced form has antioxidant properties. In most human cells, it is abundant, measuring up to 5 millimoles (an international unit in chemistry/physics).

Produced by the liver and central nervous system cells, glutathione consists of three amino acids:

  1. L-cysteine
  2. Glycine
  3. L-glutamate

Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant, meaning it is produced within our cells. Unlike exogenous antioxidants derived from fruits and vegetables, glutathione is synthesized in liver cells. However, it can also be obtained through diet or nutraceuticals.

Its three amino acids enable it to act on:

  • Cells: Protection against free radicals, DNA synthesis, and repair.
  • Vitamins C and E: Enhances their lifespan and effectiveness. In turn, these vitamins boost glutathione levels.
  • Digestive system: Reduces food intolerances, intestinal inflammation, and gastritis.
  • Immune system: Lowers bacterial infection rates, restores immune cell functions, and eliminates certain bacteria (e.g., tuberculosis).
  • Bones and body: Strengthens bones, slows cellular aging, and prevents age-related cognitive decline.
  • Mental health: Combats anxiety, depression, and stress. Protects against OCD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder while stabilizing mood.
  • Brain: Boosts memory and prevents plaque buildup.
  • Heart health: Prevents heart attacks and strokes.
  • Lungs: Reduces risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
  • Diabetes: Decreases diabetes-related risks like brain and heart damage.
  • Kidneys: Improves kidney function, reduces anemia risks, and prevents aspartame-related kidney diseases.
  • Sleep: Enhances sleep quality.
  • Skin: Reduces acne by neutralizing oxidative stress, promotes skin regeneration, and lightens dark spots caused by aging.
  • Addictions: Aids in overcoming addictive behaviors, detoxifies harmful substances, and supports liver function.
  • Eyes: Protects against glaucoma and cataracts.
  • Fertility: Plays a key role in germ cells and early embryonic development.

Glutathione effectively eliminates free radicals by interrupting oxidation-reduction reactions . It regulates the natural defense system and supports the liver and gallbladder in fat metabolism.

What Are Its Benefits for the Body?

Powerful Antioxidant

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract them. While oxidation is a normal process, excessive oxidative stress can be a precursor to several diseases, including:

In this context, glutathione stands out for its antioxidant properties. It specifically combats cellular aging by protecting the body from harmful free radicals, which can lead to the diseases mentioned above.

By safeguarding the body’s cells, glutathione is also utilized for cosmetic purposes. It helps protect the skin against early wrinkles and age-related dark spots. By acting on free radicals, it preserves youthful skin and reduces melanin production.

Toxin Elimination

Glutathione’s role as a barrier against toxins is well established. Its detoxifying potential offers several benefits:

  • Eliminating environmental toxins and heavy metals, including those affecting the brain,
  • Supporting the body after prolonged medication use,
  • Helping address dietary imbalances or excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition to preventing toxin accumulation, glutathione assists in their removal. It binds with toxins from xenobiotics – such as heavy metals, pesticides, food additives, and medications – transforming them into water-soluble compounds that are excreted through bile or urine. These antioxidant benefits aren’t limited to glutathione; black garlic offers similar health advantages.

Glutathione Protects the Liver

Glutathione is especially concentrated in the liver, where it protects hepatocytes from toxins – whether from external sources or generated during the metabolism of certain xenobiotics, such as medications like paracetamol.

When exposed to these toxins, glutathione is consumed along with them and needs to regenerate. Excessive toxin concentrations in the liver can deplete glutathione levels, leading to severe liver damage. Clinically, reduced glutathione is administered via intravenous injection as a direct and rapid antidote to paracetamol poisoning.

It May Enhance Digestive Function

Recent studies on glutathione highlight its impact on digestive functions. It has been shown to help with food intolerances and gastritis, addressing digestive inflammation, including stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, as well as colitis, rectocolitis, and Crohn's disease.

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Liposomal liquid glutathione
Liposomal liquid glutathione

+ Natural Reduced Glutathione (GSH) in liposomal form: enhanced bioavailability and stability proven through studies on reduced Glutathione in capsules. Increases blood Glutathione levels by 2.5 times in just 7 days.

+ Added Liposomal Vitamin C: helps reduce fatigue and boosts the immune system.

+ ONLY THE LIQUID FORM OF LIPOSOMES IS EFFECTIVE (see study). 250 mL bottle, providing a 25-day course with 400mg of reduced Glutathione and 800mg of Vitamin C in liposomal form

Je découvre Glutathion liposomal

What Are the Different Forms of Glutathione?

Glutathione is available in six distinct forms, offering consumers a variety of options:

  • Sublingual: Commonly used in homeopathy, the sublingual form is a tablet placed under the tongue.
  • Liposomal: Available as capsules or in liquid form, liposomal glutathione offers excellent digestive and cellular absorption. Note that only the liquid liposomal form is truly effective since the lyophilization process for creating capsules destroys the liposomes.
  • Classic Capsules: The most common form in France, these capsules have very low absorption due to enzymatic degradation in the digestive system.
  • Gastro-Resistant Capsules: Designed to withstand stomach acids, these do not always guarantee effective absorption because of enzymatic breakdown.
  • Intravenous Administration: Delivered directly into the bloodstream, this method is typically used for individuals with certain conditions, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease.

Among these options, liposomal glutathione stands out as the most optimized form, thanks to its unique liposomal technology, which protects the body from an intestinal enzyme called γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. This enzyme degrades GSH (reduced glutathione), weakening the body. Scientific studies have shown that this protection increases plasma glutathione levels threefold in just seven days.

Liposomal glutathione comes in both liquid and capsule forms. Its main drawback is its unpleasant taste. However, certain products, such as the liposomal glutathione from Solage Laboratories, offer flavored versions (mango and dragon fruit) to mask the taste, even for the most discerning palates.

Recommended Dosage

Here is the recommended dosage for Solage Laboratories’ liquid liposomal glutathione:

  • 400 mg of reduced liposomal glutathione and 800 mg of liposomal vitamin C
  • 10 mL daily using the measuring cup, approximately two teaspoons, preferably in the morning before breakfast or lunch (on an empty stomach)
  • Alternatively, split the dose: 5 mL in the morning, 15 minutes before breakfast, and 5 mL in the evening, 15 minutes before dinner.

Liposomal glutathione can be consumed pure or diluted in water or fruit juice (avoid hot beverages). It is recommended to shake the bottle before use, refrigerate after opening, and consume within two months. Beyond this, the product is not harmful, but the quality of the liposomes may decline.

The dosage may vary depending on the nutraceutical used. For additional information, consult the manufacturer’s website or your pharmacist.

What Are the Symptoms of Glutathione Deficiency?

A critical player in maintaining the body's proper functioning, there are three key factors that indicate a glutathione deficiency:

  • Chronic illness or frequent infections
  • Magnesium deficiency
  • Brain-related deficiencies (e.g., seizures, mental delays, loss of coordination)

The first factor relates to glutathione's role in the body. It makes up the majority of the human body's antioxidant defense system. If you suffer from an illness, it may indicate that this defense system is potentially compromised. Additionally, during illness or infection, the body produces more free radicals. To combat these free radicals, the body uses up significant resources, which can lead to depletion and, subsequently, a deficiency.

The second factor centers on magnesium, an essential mineral involved in cellular energy production, protein synthesis, and DNA creation. Magnesium also plays a critical role in glutathione synthesis. A magnesium deficiency can result in low glutathione levels and various symptoms (cramps, anxiety, joint pain, constipation, migraines, fatigue, depression, etc.).

The third factor highlights glutathione's role as a purifier for the brain, helping combat free radicals. When deficient, the brain becomes "defenseless", leading to exhaustion and subsequent deficiencies.

How to Avoid Deficiency

It's important to note that the body's natural production of glutathione decreases with age. Moreover, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can reduce glutathione levels.

Fortunately, supplementation through diet or specific cures is possible.

Boost Your Levels Through Diet

A healthy and balanced diet, preferably rich in antioxidants, can help meet daily glutathione requirements.

Natural sources of glutathione include fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, avocados, raspberries, grapefruit, and bananas. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants effectively supports daily glutathione needs.

It can also be found in fish and meats, which contain the three amino acids that make up glutathione (glutamine, glycine, and cysteine).

Reducing the consumption of processed fats can also minimize free radical damage. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps prevent oxidative stress.

A Liposomal Glutathione Supplement

In some cases, a glutathione supplement may be necessary. The best option is liposomal glutathione, which is the most bioavailable form. Taken orally, it helps restore natural reserves and strengthen the immune system. For prevention, 300 mg daily is sufficient. In case of illness, 600 mg is recommended under medical advice.

Are There Any Potential Contraindications?

To date, there are no significant contraindications for glutathione. This antioxidant can be consumed safely. However, asthmatic individuals should be cautious as inhaled glutathione may trigger bronchospasm (a sudden narrowing of the airways).

With controlled dosages that follow recommendations, glutathione causes no adverse effects. Rarely, in children, oral or topical glutathione may cause skin rashes or irritability.

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